Bengaluru metro expansion, traffic relief projects progressing; completion by 2029

Bengaluru's metro expansion is gaining momentum, with groundwork underway for the Orange Line. However, commercial operations are expected to commence only by December 2029. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, in a joint session on Monday, detailed the progress of metro projects under Phase-2A and Phase-2B, extending from Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapura (19.75 km) and further to Kempegowda International Airport (38.44 km). The combined cost of these phases is estimated at ₹14,788 crore.

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The upcoming Phase-3 includes a 32.15 km corridor from Kempapura to JP Nagar and another 12.50 km stretch from Hosahalli to Kadabagere, totaling 44.65 km, with an estimated expenditure of ₹15,611 crore. These projects aim to enhance urban connectivity and are scheduled for completion by 2029.

Parallelly, the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, spanning 148.17 km with a budget of ₹15,767 crore, is being developed in collaboration with Indian Railways to alleviate congestion. Additionally, a 40.50 km double-decker flyover integrating metro and road infrastructure is planned at a cost of ₹8,916 crore.

Environmental initiatives include declaring 5,678 acres around Hesaraghatta Lake as protected grassland and launching a tree park in Madappanahalli. Efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts include installing 78.9 km of railway barricades. Meanwhile, the state has secured ₹27,000 crore from HUDCO for the Peripheral Ring Road project.